Authors – Ryan Miller & Vedika Jogani
Ryan Miller is OMP’s Head of Content and is an award-winning content creator.
Vedika Jogani is OMP’s Product and Content Manager who has a Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science, specializing in Mental Performance.
Imagine being compared to one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen.
For 16-year-old Australian sprinter Gout Gout, he is already drawing comparisons to Usain Bolt.
The Queensland running phenom is creating global news headlines, having videos of his exploits on the track go viral and is netting deals with global brands.
In early December Gout ran 10.04 in the 100m and then broke the national 200m record – held by Olympic Silver Medalist Peter Norman since 1968 – with a run 20.04.
It was the second fastest Under 18 time ever recorded and Gout became just the second person to surpass Bolt’s own personal best in that age bracket.
Bolt – who won three consecutive Olympic Golds in the 100 and 200 meters – even commented “He looks like young me,” on an Instagram video of Gout’s running.
With Gout to be 20 at the next Olympics and then just 24 when his hometown Brisbane is set to host the 2032 games, there are great expectations that he will not medal at the games but bring home a rare track Gold for Australia.
Expectations like these bring great pressure.
Sport is, unfortunately, littered with stories of wonderkids who squander their athletic talents or failed to live up to the expectations placed upon them.
So how can Gout Gout – and athletes just like him – block out and overcome these potentially derailing distractions and meet these great expectations?
5 Strategies to Meet and Exceed Great Expectations
Building a Strong Identity
Gout himself offers a great example of how to build a healthy sense of self through his words: “I’m just me trying to be me, trying to be Gout Gout.”
By reinforcing this identity through positive self-talk, he can continue to separate himself from comparisons and maintain confidence in his individuality.
Control the Controllables
Comparisons to legendary athletes like Usain Bolt can create pressure because they’re external and out of the athlete’s control.
Gout must focus instead on things he can directly influence—like his training, recovery routines, nutrition, and race execution.
By shifting attention to these “controllables,” athletes maintain clarity and reduce the weight of external expectations.
Reframe Expectations
High expectations can feel like a burden, but reframing them as an opportunity to showcase progress can help.
Instead of thinking, ‘I have to live up to Usain Bolt’s legacy‘, Gout could think, ‘I get to carve my own path and show what Gout Gout can achieve‘.
This shift helps turn pressure into purpose, excitement and motivation.
Develop Pre-Performance Routines
Establishing consistent mental and physical routines before races can help block out distractions.
These routines serve as an anchor, allowing athletes to enter a state of focus and confidence, even in high-stakes moments.
Breathwork, visualization, or listening to a specific playlist can all help Gout tune into the present and quiet the noise around him.
Limit and Filter Social Media and Media Consumption
With the buzz around his performances, Gout may feel overwhelmed by constant media attention and viral videos.
By limiting his time spent on social media or filtering what he engages with, he can shield himself from unnecessary distractions. Staying grounded and focused on his goals will be key.
